Kiva.org - Loans that change lives

Kiva is the most fantastic program out there - KIva lets you lend money to a specific entrepreneur in the developing world - empowering them to left themselves out of poverty.
By choosing a business on Kiva.org, you can "sponsor a business" and help the world's working poor make great strides towards economic independence. Throughout the course of the loan (usually 6-12 months), you can receive email journal updates from the business you've sponsored. As loans are repaid, you get your loan money back.